Methods and apparatus for separating particulates from a particulate-fluid mixture

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for separating particulates from a fluid are provided. The apparatus can include a separation section having at least one wall, a first end, a second end, and an inner metal surface exposed to an internal volume of the separation section. The apparatus can also include a fluid discharge outlet in fluid communication with the internal volume at the first end. The apparatus can also include a particulate discharge outlet in fluid communication with the internal volume at the second end. The apparatus can also include an inlet in fluid communication with the internal volume. The inlet can be disposed intermediate the first end and the second end.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for separating particulates from a particulate-fluid mixture. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for separating catalyst particulates from a reactor effluent.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]One approach to separating particulates from a particulate-fluid mixture utilizes a cyclone separator (or simply, “cyclone”). Introduction of the particulate-fluid mixture to the cyclone separator induces centripetal acceleration to the mixture, thereby forcing the higher density particulates outward toward the walls of the cyclone separator to provide a gas in the middle of the cyclone having reduced particulate content and the separated particulates along the separator walls. Fluid catalytic cracking (“FCC”) is a process that frequently uses cyclone separators to separate catalyst particul...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for separating particulate matter from fluids. The invention addresses the problem of premature failure of current cyclone separators due to the refractory lining on the inner surface of the cyclone. The refractory lining is often prematurely failure due to factors such as cracks or imperfections in the refractory lining, coke formation, and detachment of refractory lining from the cyclone walls. The invention provides more reliable methods and apparatus for separating particulate matter from fluids by designing a separation section with an inner metal surface exposed to the internal volume of the separation section. The invention also includes one or more inlets and outlets in fluid communication with the internal volume of the separation section. The technical effects of the invention include improved separation efficiency, reduced premature failure of cyclone separators, and improved production of hydrocarbon products.

Problems solved by technology

Without the refractory lining, catalyst particulates impinging on the surface of the cyclone erode the walls of the cyclone, which causes premature failure.

However, current refractory linings often prematurely fail, especially at high temperatures, due to various factors, which include the growth of coke between the refractory lining and the cyclone's walls, within cracks or other imperfections of the refractory lining's surface, and / or between adjoining pieces or sheets of refractory material.

After a sufficient amount of coke has formed, the refractory lining will break, chip, crack, and eventually portions or all of the refractory lining can completely detach from the cyclone walls rendering operation of the cyclone impossible.

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